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Prospect Profile : Winston Guy, SS, Kentucky (Senior)

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I am new here but thought I would take an opportunity to post on some possible 2012 draft prospects with an individual prospect profile topic for each player. I used to do this in another forum, and I think it is a good chance for us to talk about some prospects that might be a good fit for the Chiefs. If you know any interesting information on a player, or have opinions based on what you have read or seen of them, please feel free to post in here. Again, this is just a chance for us to get some names out there to keep an eye on as the season progresses and we head into the offseason preparing for the draft.

The first player I want to mention is Kentucky senior strong safety Winston Guy. The interesting thing about Guy is that he has been utilized in a hygrid safety/linebacker role and plays close to the line of scrimmage. This reminds me of the role that Crennel often uses Jon McGraw in our defensive scheme. Guy plays very well in space and seems to have good read-and-react skills that allow him to make a play on the ball whether as a run defender or in coverage. Personally, I think Jon McGraw is long past his prime, and considering his “prime” was never that impressive, if we have an opportunity to replace him in our defense, I think we have to seriously consider it at this point. I have gotten pretty discouraged watching him (along with Sabby Piscatelli) taking bad angles in coverage and run support. And while McGraw supposedly is a better run defender than coverage safety, I have seen him take far too many bad angles to the ball carrier. Personally, I would like to see our defense evolve into one that is closer to the Pittsburgh/Green Bay variation of the 3-4, and I specifically think that Eric Berry could fill the role that Charles Woodson currently does in Green Bay..as a short area hybrid safety/cornerback, I talked about this idea in another topic and won’t go into details here.

But getting back to Guy, I think he has good instincts and reaction to quickly diagnose the play and get in position to make a play on the ball carrier. He also is used in more traditional zone drops and while he doesn’t have cornerback-like coverage skills, I don’t think he is a liability by any means in coverage and I think he has some range and is not strictly an in-the-box only prospect. He also has some versatility on special teams as he has some kicks this year (not full time) and with his skill set I think he could make an impact on kick and punt coverage. While statistics certainly don’t tell the whole story of a player’s impact, Guy has put up impressive tackle statistics the past two years and really seems to have responded well in making the transition from deeper in the secondary in a more traditional strong safety role to much closer to the line of scrimmage. This tells me that the coaching staff has confidence in his ability to attack the ball in close quarters before the ball carrier gets to the second level…as opposed to being much farther away from the line of scrimmage and being able to read the play develop with a “cushion” of space. When you are closer to the line of scrimmage, you need to make quick decisions on what the play is, where it is going, and how to get there to make an impact. He is listed as 6’-1”, 216 lbs., and IMO he isn’t the listed 216 lbs. I would like to see him bulk up more if he is going to handle the strong safety role and especially if he is going to handle a more hybrid role in the NFL – I think an NFL weight training program could help him bulk up without affecting his athleticism – he seems to have the frame to add more weight without slowing him down. I also think he could improve his tackling technique as sometimes he breaks down and tends to drag-tackle…which in the NFL is going to lead to some missed tackles. Again, that’s something that I believe can and will be corrected in the NFL with proper positional coaching.

Is a tall, well-built athlete with a V-shape trunk. Isn't the most flexible of athletes in coverage and moved back to safety after a brief stint at corner earlier in his career. Struggles to really sit into his stance, gets leggy out of his breaks and routinely is forced to chop his feet and waste steps in order to collect himself. However, possesses good closing speed once he gets his feet under him. But he routinely surrenders separation in man coverage vs. tight ends when playing near the line. Doesn't waste nearly as much motion when asked to click and close. Sits into his stance better off the snap, keeps his feet under him and cleanly can drive on throws. Is a bit stiff hipped when asked to turn and run and doesn't get back up to speed quickly. However, displays good range/straight-line speed in space when asked to range in the deep half for the position, exhibiting good ball skills and coordination when asked to go make a play. Plays like a 4.5 guy.

Breaks down well on ball carriers in space, is patient into the tackle and wraps well. Doesn't consistently bring his feet through contact and becomes more of a catcher in the open field. However, when filling the alley downhill, reads and reacts quickly, displays good burst driving on ball carries and creates more of a pop at the point. Is consistent as a tackler as long as he wraps. Will get himself into some trouble at times just trying to strike. Also, gets high when asked to wrap-up and will slip off bigger bodies on the edge. Nevertheless, showcases a good feel for the run game, reads and reacts quickly, takes good angles and displays above-average range in pursuit for the position.

Impression: Still has some upside at the position, as he can tackle, displays solid range in space and above-average instincts in all areas of the game. Should be a heck of a special teams player early and looks like a guy who should fight for playing time.

Clearly not a starter on this defense with Berry already locking up the SS spot. If we're drafting for depth in the latter rounds, then I'd be ok with the pick. But if you're talkin bout using a pick from the first 3 rounds, I'd pass. There seem to be more pressing concerns than McGraws replacement on this team.

Clearly not a starter on this defense with Berry already locking up the SS spot. If we're drafting for depth in the latter rounds, then I'd be ok with the pick. But if you're talkin bout using a pick from the first 3 rounds, I'd pass. There seem to be more pressing concerns than McGraws replacement on this team.

Like I said, Crennel uses alot of 3 safety sets, so unfortunately, McGraw tends to be on the field alot more than I think most would like, I would say much more than alot of teams use their nickel corner. And keep in mind we have a GM that drafted a tinkertoy at the top of the second round and a nickel corner in the middle of the second round. McGraw and Piscatelli are absolutely horrible. And Washington just hasn't developed. I see Guy as quite possibly ending up as a solid fourth round prospect with alot depending on who declares or not. If a guy like say free safety Robert Lester from Alabama declares, that could push some talent like Guy down further.

Berry being out has really exposed the rest of our safeties with the exception of Kendrick Lewis...and has had the trickle-down effect of making things harder for our cornerbacks and pass rush.

Like I said, Crennel uses alot of 3 safety sets, so unfortunately, McGraw tends to be on the field alot more than I think most would like, I would say much more than alot of teams use their nickel corner. And keep in mind we have a GM that drafted a tinkertoy at the top of the second round and a nickel corner in the middle of the second round. McGraw and Piscatelli are absolutely horrible. And Washington just hasn't developed. I see Guy as quite possibly ending up as a solid fourth round prospect with alot depending on who declares or not. If a guy like say free safety Robert Lester from Alabama declares, that could push some talent like Guy down further.

Berry being out has really exposed the rest of our safeties with the exception of Kendrick Lewis...and has had the trickle-down effect of making things harder for our cornerbacks and pass rush.

I've seen some mocks that show Lester going in the 3rd if he does declare so I'd think that Guy would be there in the 4th. But as you said, it'll depend on who declares.

Clearly not a starter on this defense with Berry already locking up the SS spot. If we're drafting for depth in the latter rounds, then I'd be ok with the pick. But if you're talkin bout using a pick from the first 3 rounds, I'd pass. There seem to be more pressing concerns than McGraws replacement on this team.

I think our safety depth has been horrific..even last year. I wanted them to draft safety help this offseason, and yes the injury to Berry has exposed the depth in our secondary. I like arenas at the Nickle spot, but do not like any of our safties after that (Washingtons transition from CB to Safety hasn't worked out well, McGraw just isn't much more than a role player, and Piscetelli is just horrific)

I like the idea of getting some help in our secondary. I've said before that our "STARTING" secondary, could be considered one of the best in the league.... It's our depth that gives us problems.